Kano REC Urges Responsible AI Deployment To Strengthen Electoral Integrity

Resident electoral commissioner (REC) for Kano State, Amb. Abdu Abdussamadu Zango, has emphasised the need for responsibility and vigilance as Nigeria moves toward greater adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its electoral processes.

He spoke at the opening of a two-day technical workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Electoral Management, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)in Abuja yesterday.

The workshop brought together senior ICT personnel, Heads of Departments, development partners, and technology experts to explore how AI can be safely and effectively integrated into election management.

In his remarks, Amb. Zango pointed out that while AI offers significant opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen security and boost public confidence, it also presents risks if not properly governed.

Describing the technology as a “double-edged sword,” he recalled lessons from the 2023 General Election, noting that digital platforms were misused for misinformation. With AI tools becoming more accessible to the public, he stressed that the potential for manipulative content and misinformation is even greater, making vigilance essential.

He stated that the objective of the workshop is to ensure AI is used to enhance electoral integrity and security rather than undermine public trust in the process.

Representing the Director of ICT, Dr Bayode Lawrence, the Deputy Director (Communications), Engr. Lawal Umar described the workshop as a major milestone in INEC’s ongoing technological advancement.

He explained that AI presents opportunities to strengthen key operational areas such as voter registration, logistics planning, result management and fraud detection.

According to him, the Commission is committed to developing secure, practical and well-regulated AI solutions that align with Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks, ensuring that innovation goes hand in hand with credibility.

In a goodwill message, the IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Seray Jah, noted that Nigeria’s progress in AI could serve as an example for other West African countries. He affirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC in responsibly exploring AI to enhance electoral credibility.

The workshop sessions, facilitated by IFES experts including Mr Obaje Ukeh and Ms Judith Toryem, covered global and African AI applications, risks associated with misinformation, and principles for the responsible adoption of AI in election management.